Iraqi Experts Convene in Jordan
December 2003

December 7 to 14, Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace cosponsored a meeting with the World Bank, UNIFEM, and Women for Women International, convening 25 Iraqi men and women in Amman, Jordan.

Sessions focused on women’s economic rights; designing social fund projects; the application of international treaties to Iraq; and using international treaties to advance women’s advocacy work in Iraq. In addition, three Waging members shared their expertise on aspects of peace building in a panel discussion entitled “Guaranteeing Women a Role in Iraq: Translating Experiences from Abroad.”

• Monica McWilliams, founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, discussed the challenges of elections as a moderate in a highly politicized environment and underscored the importance of continuing work in the face of significant setbacks.
  
• Vjosa Dobruna, former minister of democratization, good governance, and media with the UN mission in Kosovo, spoke about her experience as one of only three women appointed to the 20-member United Nations Joint Interim Administrative Structure of war-ravaged Kosovo.
  
• Luz Mendez, president of the advisory council to the National Union of Guatemalan Women, shared strategies she used to secure commitments for gender equity as the only woman among 30 negotiators in the Guatemalan peace accords process.
  

Iraqi participants also met with Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan and US Ambassador Edward W. (Skip) Gnehm. Read Ambassador Gnehm's remarks.

For photographs of this event, click on one of the images below.

return to top